‘Vriddha Mitra’ aims at building an age-friendly ecosystem for the elderly population in India. This ecosystem can be founded with diverse pillars, starting from dynamic policies; efficient implementation of those policies through effective programs; creating physical and social infrastructure to foster better health and wellbeing in older age; and off-course a stronger and sensitive cultural milieu that enables in creating a happy and fulfilling world for the older people. 

We have thought through all of these aspects, not only on the basis of what we are seeing around us, but by interacting with the older people in India in round-tables; by serving the most vulnerable older people in different pockets of the country and last but not the least by dealing with the challenges of the older people on a day-to-day basis. As ‘Vriddha Mitra’we feel as though we are living the lives of elderlies by being with them, by finding solutions to their challenges and by bringing to fruition their small wishes, which unfortunately are turned down by the very generations that got nurtured by the elderlies of the day. 

Turning ‘ageing’ into a positive experience calls for efforts that focus on improving the quality of life for older people. Ignoring their needs and challenges is denying them their rights. 

Through ‘Vriddha Mitra’ we empower the elderlies to share their challenges; we sensitize the family members, communities, policy makers and program implementers regarding their vulnerabilities; we facilitate various linkages and services to ensure care and support and we continue to create champions for the cause that needs immediate attention. 

- Dr. Benazir Patil, Chief Executive Officer - SCHOOL